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Christmas pressures fuel January divorces

The start of the New Year is usually the busiest time for divorce. The first Monday of the full working week back after the Christmas and New Year holiday is often referred to as “divorce day”.

There are many reasons why couples decide to separate in January. These often boil down to the pressure Christmas has put on their relationship. Christmas can be an extremely stressful period for many people, placing huge expectations upon a family. Christmas is also one of the rare times of the year that working parents will get to spend a lot of time with their family. When the normal distractions of busy day-to-day lives are removed, any relationship problems can become very clear.

Christmas can also bring huge money worries for a family. The Money Advice Trust’s National Debtline recently reported that one in three people (33%) have borrowed money to fund Christmas 2016, and that one in ten people (10%) say they ‘regularly worry’ and ‘feel stressed’ about money in the run up to Christmas. Some people may also feel that they are not in a position to afford legal advice until the New Year, once the cost of Christmas is over.

It can also be the case that appointments to seek legal advice will have been made in December by people who were already planning to start the divorce process in the New Year, having stayed together over the festive period for the sake of their children or loved ones, and to spend a last Christmas together.

Here at Tozers LLP we have an experienced team of lawyers specialising in divorce and separation, and the associated financial and children issues. Please free to contact us for a free, confidential initial appointment to discuss the options available to you. We have divorce and Family solicitors in Exeter, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth and your initial appointment will cover:

Identifying the issues;

Finding the best process for you;

Selecting the most appropriate member of our experienced family law team to deal with your case;

The likely costs involved, payment options, including fixed fees, and the timescale for the work.

If you require further information or advice in respect of divorce, or any family matter please contact our solicitors in Exeter on 01392 207020.